El videoarte en la intersección del arte contemporáneo y el activismo comunitario

Abstract

This research explores how video art, as part of contemporary artistic expression, relates to community activism to raise awareness of social and environmental issues. Art has always served as a means of communication, reflection, and change, and video art, in particular, has proven to be an effective medium for conveying impactful messages. The study aims to demonstrate how video art, through the combination of image, sound, and narrative, functions as a tool for community engagement. It examines the challenges that artists and social movements face when using video art as a form of protest and advocacy, considering aspects such as the sociopolitical context, accessibility, and effectiveness in raising awareness. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining theoretical analysis with a practical case study. The research reviews the work of prominent video artists such as Nam June Paik, Bill Viola, and Vito Acconci to understand their impact on the evolution of the medium. Additionally, social issues in the cities of Machala and Pasaje, Ecuador, were documented through audiovisual recordings of urban and marginalized areas affected by pollution, neglect, and insecurity. The final outcome is a video art piece designed to foster community reflection and promote social awareness. It will be presented through digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, expanding its reach and ensuring greater participation, especially among young audiences. This study helps highlight the importance of video art as both an aesthetic expression and a tool for social change. By presenting realities that are often ignored, this proposal seeks to foster collective transformation, reaffirming the role of video art as a medium for resistance and transformation.